Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those cozy, creamy dinners that feels like a warm hug after a long day. For me, it all started with the chill of an early fall evening and a fridge that offered leftover rotisserie chicken and a half-used pack of cheese tortellini. I wasn’t aiming for anything special, just warmth in a bowl. But one spoonful in, and my husband looked up with that “Is this new?” look. It was creamy, cozy, and rich with garlic, herbs, and tender bites of chicken. From that moment on, Chicken Tortellini Soup earned a regular spot at our table.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday, this recipe never lets me down. And if you’re already a fan of Creamy Tortellini Soup, you’re going to love this chicken-packed twist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
Comfort food at its easiest
This soup comes together in under 40 minutes and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. With just one pot, there’s minimal cleanup, and the flavor payoff is huge. It’s hearty without being heavy, creamy but not overly rich; making it a recipe you’ll come back to often.
Plus, it’s flexible. You can swap veggies, use frozen tortellini, or add a handful of spinach for color and nutrients. It’s as adaptable as it is delicious.
If cozy dinners are your thing, you might also enjoy this Chicken Pot Pie Soup, another one-pot comfort favorite.
Crowd-pleaser approved
This one’s husband-tested and guest-approved. Kids love the cheesy tortellini, while grown-ups appreciate the garlic-thyme undertone and that creamy broth that begs for a crusty bread dunk.
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Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy, hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup made in under 40 minutes. One pot, big comfort, and endless flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
6 cups chicken broth
9 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, carrot, and celery for 5–7 minutes.
2. Add shredded chicken and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add tortellini and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with fresh parsley or Parmesan.
Notes
Store tortellini separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.
Frozen tortellini works, just extend the cooking time slightly.
Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab before you get started:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Yellow onion (diced) | 1 small |
| Carrots (sliced) | 2 medium |
| Celery (sliced) | 2 stalks |
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Refrigerated cheese tortellini | 9 oz |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
You can find many of these basics in other cozy soups like our Wild Rice Soup, too.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
Step-by-step instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add chicken and broth: Stir in shredded chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Toss in tortellini: Add the tortellini and cook for 6–8 minutes or until tender.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
If you’re into slow cooker meals, try our Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder for another one-pot wonder.
Tips and Variations
Make it your own
- Swap the protein: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even Italian sausage.
- Add greens: A handful of baby spinach or kale stirred in during the last 2 minutes adds color and nutrients.
- Use shelf-stable tortellini: If refrigerated pasta isn’t handy, use dried and cook a little longer.
Dairy-free or gluten-free?
- Replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Opt for gluten-free tortellini (found in many health food stores).
Bonus tip: This soup reheats beautifully, just store it separately from the tortellini if you’re making ahead. You’ll find a similar approach in Marry Me Chicken Soup, which holds up well for next-day lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add it straight to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 2–3 minutes longer than refrigerated.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the tortellini is stored separately, it won’t absorb all the broth.
Can I freeze Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Freeze the base (broth, veggies, chicken) without the tortellini. Add fresh tortellini when reheating for best texture.
What goes well with this soup?
Crusty garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies are perfect sides. For more comfort-food inspo, check out our creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Chicken Tortellini Soup keeps making a comeback in our kitchen. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry family, this recipe never disappoints. Just like the meals that sparked the creation of Dailycious Recipes, it’s quick, soulful, and always homemade.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
